What's water pollution?

Water pollution is when harmful substances get into the water and cause problems for people and wildlife. Seas, lochs and rivers can clean up a certain amount of pollution over a period of time, but if there is loads of pollution at once, it can take years to get back to normal.

Over 2/3rds of the planet is covered with water, but we are only able to drink around 1% of it. Here in Scotland we are lucky that all we have to do to get some clean water is turn on a tap. This is because the water that comes through our pipes has been cleaned in a treatment plant first. But did you know 1/8th of the world’s population doesn't have access to safe drinking water?

Where does water pollution come from?

There are different types of water pollution, including microbiological (where microorganisms or bacteria get into the water cause those who use it to become ill), chemical, (where pesticides from farms and poisonous chemicals from factories get into the water) and nutrient pollution (although nutrients are good, they can cause too many weeds and algae to grow in a river which can contaminate drinking water and use too much oxygen, leaving none for anything else).

The most common causes of water pollution are from:

• from chemicals used in farming.
• from rubbish dumps and water treatment plants.
• from oil from petrol and cars.
• from toxic waste dumping.
• from accidents such as oil spills.

We at home also contribute to water pollution if we put chemicals like weed-killer, bleach or paint stripper down the drain. Or if we flush anything that didn’t come from our bodies (like nappies or medicines) down the toilet. Flushing things like condoms and sanitary towels down the toilet means they are likely to end up on a beach somewhere.

Problems with water pollution

Water pollution is a problem because it can be harmful and even deadly for things that live in the water. Toxic waste is the most harmful form of pollution to sea life and humans, although all types of water pollution can upset the delicate water ecosystem. Water pollution can be passed through the food chain and if we eat fish that has been into contact with it, we can also become seriously ill.

How can we prevent pollution?

• Remember when visiting the beach take your rubbish home with you! Any litter left lying on the beach may harm animals. 
• Try not to use too many chemicals on the garden, as these can be pollutants if they get into the water. You can often find organic alternatives to chemicals.
• Wherever possible, choose environmentally friendly cleaning products that degrade quickly when washed down the drain.
• Dispose of household chemical products safely. Don't pour them down the drain or flush them down the toilet.